You’ve probably wondered how much does it cost to study on low tuition in the Netherlands? If you are keen on studying on cheap tuition in the Netherlands, one of the most important things to look into is how much everything will cost. This article will break down the cost of every aspect of university life to ensure that you have your questions answered.
It is important to note that costs and exchange rates are most correct at the time of writing this and may vary overtime.
Tuition fees
Students who hail from the Netherlands, other European Union or European Economic Area countries, Switzerland or Suriname, would have their fees taken care of by the Government as long as the student is admitted into a Dutch university. Note that there is an obligatory tuition fee (commonly known as collegegeld), which is roughly €2,006 (£1,784) per year (2017/18 figures), as determined by the government.
Students who come from outside the EU or EEA countries will be charged twice or even triple the amount of their EU/EEA counterparts. This can amount to €6,000 (£5,337) a year but the amount charged varies and depends majorly on the university, the degree, the residence permit type, previous study history and scholarship opportunities. There is equally an application fee, pegged at €50-100 (£44-88) depending on the programme or course.
A bachelor’s degree in the Netherlands typically lasts four years so EU/EEA students would spend on average €8,024 (£7,138) on university tuition in total, while international students from outside the EU should estimate to spend a maximum of €24,000 (£21,349).
Private schools (particuliere scholen) – which include business schools doing bachelor and MBA programmes – are slightly more expensive and can cost a student between €16,000-36,000 (£14,233) for the full duration of their program.
Accommodation costs
Note that the cost of accommodation in the Netherlands is above the international average. Fortunately, there are several options when it comes to renting, but you should expect to pay €300-600 (£266-533) per month. Living alone in a rental apartment would cost an average of €419 (£372) per month, sharing an apartment with another person is €572 (£508) per month and a room in student accommodation is roughly €340 (£302) per month.
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Statistically, about 27 per cent of students live in university housing, but there is massive high demand for this sort of arrangement, and popular student cities such as Leiden and Groningen experience regular shortages. If you live in student housing for the full four-year programme (which is unlikely because of the shortage of space), it would amount to €13,600 (£12,098) while rented space would be €16,670 (£14,829) for four years.
Also note that average utility costs, which,if not included, can go upto to €165 (£146) per month.
Other student Expenses
Monthly internet subscription is €23 or £20.46 (which is split between tenants) and the average phone bill is roughly €15 (£13.34). On a monthly basis, students can expect to spend €30-65 (£27-58) on books and other academic materials.
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Students in the Netherlands should expect to spend €35 (£31) a month on transport, with the average one-way ticket going for €2.90 (£2.58). Moving by bike is the most popular way to get around so it may do you a lot of good to rent or buy a bicycle during your period of study. There is equally a student discount card for train tickets, which affords you 40 percent off on off-peak journeys. A litre of petrol would go for €1.53 (£1.36).
If you are in the Netherlands for studies (i.e. not employed) you can obtain private student insurance, which would average €40 (£35.58) a month.Those who do choose to work will be expected to pay Dutch Basic Insurance which is about €90-110 (£80-98) per month, however a greater portion of that is often returned with a tax rebate.
Standard application fee for a student visa for students outside the EU/EEA countries is €317 (£282).
With rent, transport, food, utilities and entertainment, you should budget an average €1,200-1,300 (£1,067-1,156) to survive in Amsterdam and Delft, €1,200 in Enschede, €1,100 in Eindhoven and €1,000 in Rotterdam.
What that means is that an average student living in Amsterdam, for example, should expect to spend €48,000 (£42,700) on living expenses during the full four-year programme.
Funding and Financial Support
It might interest you to know that The Dutch government offers a student finance programme (studiefinanciering) to assist students pay for the cost of study and living. This assistance ranges from free public transport to grants for students from low-income families to student loans with low interest rates and reputable repayment options. These funding options are however limited to Dutch students, however,international students are sometimes eligible if they possess EU citizenships or a type II, III or IV residence permit.
As for scholarships, you can find a full list of opportunities here.
Several bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas give out student discounts, especially in cities where they are lots of students. Most will request for proof of studentship from your institution but it is also worth investing in an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which will almost guarantee you discount all around the world.
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